How To Live More Authentically? Why You Need To Shed Your Masks

 / 

,

Just as actors wore masks in the ancient Greek theater to transform into different characters and roles, we wear “masks,” in a metaphorical sense, to hide our true selves, thoughts, and emotions.

We excel at wearing masks

We fool our friends, our colleagues, even our loved ones with the various masks that we wear. More often than not, we avoid expressing who we really are and what we really think, because we want to fit in, gain approval, and, importantly, try to minimize conflict. We wear masks to put out the impression or illusion of a more “perfect life” — having the right job or occupation, the right car, the right house, the right spouse or partner, the right clothing, and so on.

Fake Happiness Is The Worst Kind Of Sadness

We hide behind labels, titles, and money. Our real identity is covered up by the false identity of our possessions, roles, actions, and words. Our ego traps us in this artificially staged world, all out of our perceived need for acceptance.

Some of us wear masks of grandeur while, conversely, others wear very plain masks, afraid to express themselves, afraid of judgment and possible rejection from others. We wear masks because we fear others will see who we really are. We need to protect ourselves from their judgment and emotional assault, fearing we will expose our weaknesses, fearing we won’t be good enough, fearing we won’t belong.

Read This Optical Illusion Test Reveals Your Secret Strengths And Weaknesses

Typically, men have learned to hide their weaknesses and feelings and, in their place, have learned to act “strong,” constantly putting out an air of confidence. On the other hand, women have been conditioned to hide their strengths, to act sweet, and to appear relatively helpless, and in the same vein, non-threatening. Like the actors on the Greek stage, we all strive to entertain and please the audience, worried about the “right” appearance, the “right” lines, and, after the curtain goes down, the “right” review of our performance.

All It Takes Is A Beautiful Fake Smile

Why you need to shed your masks?

The more we wear these masks and play someone else’s role, the further away we are from our authentic selves. We lose trust and confidence in ourselves when we let others determine who we should be. Swayed by the opinions of others, we lose our own thoughts and start to second-guess ourselves.

We ask others what role we should play and what lines we should speak, wishing to conform, trying hard to please them. Soon, our relationships suffer. Life ceases to flow freely through us, and as a consequence, we grow more and more frustrated, stressed, sick, and depressed. Soon we may simply burn out.” This is why many people view depression as the state of being separated from our true self.

Authenticity

Many people, however, reach a tipping point, especially around midlife, when they wake up and ask themselves the existential question: “Who am I?” They know they want to live more authentically, to live with more meaning. In effect, they are beginning to take the steps necessary to draw the line in the sand, remove their masks, and say, “This is who I am.”

It may take time. It may take several life-changing experiences to help you realize it’s time to remove your mask. After wearing so many different masks for so many years, it’s not easy to connect to your true self and, importantly, to express your true self in the company of others. It may take continued effort to heal your past dramas and traumas until you are ready to move on, mask-free — to live more authentically and with deeper meaning.

Read 20 Things Authentic People Do Differently

But as Aristotle wisely advised, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Knowing ourselves, understanding our deeper motivations, our bright side, as well as our dark side, can help us build the confidence we need to express ourselves authentically and live more meaningful lives. Isn’t it time for you to remove the masks you have been wearing for so long and connect more authentically — first with yourself, and then with others?

To know more please visit Global Meaning Institute


Written by: Elaine Dundon
Originally appeared on: Psychology Today 
Republished with permission 
How To Live More Authentically pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

9 Olympic Games for All Ages: Fun for Kids, Adults, and Students

Olympic Games For All Ages Fun for Kids Adults Students

Introduce the excitement of the Olympic Games into your own home! There are so many ways to have fun with children, party for adults, or plan activities for students that mimic the Olympic spirit.

You can play imaginative and energetic games with young kids, adults can participate in competitive yet entertaining challenges, and students can take part in educational but still engaging activities — there is something for everyone!

So, let’s get along, laughing and having a great time with these creative and fun Olympic games for students and kids by turning any space into a

Up Next

Unsocial Media: The Real Effects Of Screen Time

Unsocial Media The Real Effects Of More Screen Time

Is social media making us less social in real life? Discover the true effects of screen time on face-to-face connections and overall well-being.

Loss of real-life interaction hampers social development.

Key points

A significant amount of real-life social interaction seems essential for the development of emotional and personal skills.

Research suggests that today’s youth has about half the exposure to critical real-life social interaction that pre-internet generations did.

Trends in poor social development among young people suggest the need for urgent attention and specific strategies to enhanc

Up Next

The Role Of ‘Resilient Mindset’ In Healing

Resilient Mindset The Healing Power Of A Positive Mindset

Does having a positive, resilient mindset support healing? Discover how hope, and balanced optimism might influence the body’s natural ability to heal!

Can we influence our body’s ability to heal through cellular communication?

Key points

It’s important to strike the right balance of optimism, hope, belief, and realism.

A hopeful, resilient mindset could promote positive changes at the cellular level and boost healing.

There are cases of people who have been given a fatal prognosis and changed their outcome using mindset.

Up Next

Lessons Learned In Life – Let The Mind Talk Begin..

The landscape of life is ever changing. It brings forth different scenarios that expose us to situations that are sometimes good and sometimes bad. Life is a great teacher which helps us develop different perspectives towards it. These experiences change us daily, but it is super important that we change for being better towards our own selves and the people around us.

Up Next

How To Create A Toddler-Friendly Home: 10 Helpful Tips For New Parents!

Bringing a toddler to your house can be both exciting and challenging. As soon as they begin taking notice of their surroundings, the environment in which they dwell must be secure, comfortable, and conducive to growth.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

It is important to learn how to create a toddler-friendly home because this will provide them with holistic development o

Up Next

5 Minimalistic Zodiac Signs Who Believe in ‘Less Is More’

Do you love simplicity or getting rid of things that you don’t need? Does the minimalist lifestyle make you happy? Then, this article will tell you the top minimalistic zodiac signs and what sets them apart when it comes to simplicity and clarity in life.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Minimalism is not just not a trend but a way of living which brings order, calmnes

Up Next

15+ Dress for Success Quotes to Boost Your Confidence and Inspire Your Life

What we wear isn’t just about fashion—it’s a reflection of our mindset and ambition. Take a look at some of the “dress for success quotes” to influence confidence and, ultimately, success!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

As fashion icon Edith Head once said, “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” We also believe that there is